Open AccessA defined human gastrin sequence stimulates the growth of Helicobacter pylori
Author(s) -
Chowers Michal Yael,
Keller Nathan,
BarMeir Simon,
Chowers Yehuda
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
fems microbiology letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.899
H-Index - 151
eISSN - 1574-6968
pISSN - 0378-1097
DOI - 10.1111/j.1574-6968.2002.tb11480.x
Subject(s) - gastrin , cholecystokinin , pentagastrin , helicobacter pylori , medicine , gastrointestinal hormone , biology , endocrinology , peptide hormone , biochemistry , gastric acid , hormone , secretion , receptor
This study describes the interaction between gastrin and Helicobacter pylori . Human gastrin amino acids 4–17 were found to be the minimal growth‐stimulating sequence. Gastrin from other mammals did not stimulate bacterial growth. When human serum was used to stimulate bacterial growth in brucella broth, gastrin was shown to be a necessary and sufficient growth‐stimulating factor. Competition for the gastrin effect by pentagastrin and cholecystokinin (CCK‐8) resulted in inhibition of bacterial growth. This effect was mediated by the four C‐terminal amino acids which are shared by gastrin, CCK‐8 and pentagastrin. In conclusion, the interaction between gastrin and H. pylori was shown to be specific, essential, and dependent on a defined gastrin sequence.